Prominence Energy Ltd (Prominence) has announced the commencement of its first on-ground exploration programme at the Gawler Hydrogen and Helium Project in South Australia.
The field campaign involves a targeted soil gas survey across Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) 803 within the Eyre Project, measuring helium, hydrogen, and methane concentrations to identify active subsurface gas systems. The programme represents a key milestone in advancing exploration across Prominence’s ~ 64 000 km² Gawler Hydrogen and Helium Project portfolio.
The Gawler Craton is widely recognised as a highly prospective region for helium and natural hydrogen, due to the presence of ancient radiogenic granites, iron-rich lithologies and deep crustal structures. These geological conditions are considered favourable for helium and hydrogen generation via water-rock reactions and radiolysis, with potential migration pathways along major structural corridors.
This initial survey is designed as a rapid, low-cost screening tool to evaluate large areas efficiently and generate high-resolution geochemical datasets. Results will be integrated with structural and geophysical models to prioritise areas for follow-up seismic surveys and drilling.
The soil gas survey is being conducted using a combination of manual sampling and autonomous monitoring technologies, enabling both spatial mapping and temporal analysis of gas concentrations. The program is expected to run over the coming weeks, with the results to be utilised in the next phase of exploration activities. Prominence Energy remains focused on advancing a portfolio of helium and hydrogen opportunities across the Gawler Craton, positioning the Company at the forefront of an emerging global energy sector.
Dr Krista Davies, Chief Operating Officer at Prominence Energy, said: “The commencement of our first field survey at the Gawler Hydrogen and Helium Project is a significant and exciting step forward for Prominence. This programme marks the transition from concept to execution, as we begin systematically evaluating one of the most prospective helium and natural hydrogen provinces globally.
“Importantly, the timing of this work aligns with increasing global supply constraints for helium, following the loss of key production sources (approximately 30% of global production has recently ceased) and growing demand from critical industries such as semiconductors, medical imaging and advanced manufacturing. At the same time, natural hydrogen is emerging as a potentially transformative lowcost, low-carbon energy source.
“By deploying low-impact, data-driven exploration techniques, we will rapidly assess large areas and build a robust technical understanding of these systems.
“We look forward to integrating the results from this programme into our broader exploration workflow and advancing the Gawler Hydrogen and Helium Project towards drill-ready targets.”